Carlos Rodon starred in the Yankees’ win in Baltimore while his son Bo and Gerrit Cole’s son Caden did it on social media.
As Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole dominate Yankees pitching conversations in 2025, their young sons are capturing attention away from the diamond — not with 95 mph heaters or devastating breaking balls, but with infectious enthusiasm, tiny gloves, and their first steps in America’s pastime.
A recent Instagram post from Ashley Rodon sent ripples of delight throughout the Yankees fanbase. The touching photograph showcased Bo Rodon and Caden Cole dressed in matching uniforms for their inaugural T-ball contest, both radiating pure joy.
“It was a big day in our house,” Ashley captioned. “First T-ball game officially in the books. Love these two, how much they love baseball, and that they get to do it together!”
Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole’s sons are T-Ball teammates!
The endearing snapshot quickly garnered over 1,500 likes and dozens of heartfelt responses from fans and baseball colleagues alike. For a Yankees faithful navigating the emotional rollercoaster of championship aspirations, this innocent glimpse into baseball’s next generation struck a particularly poignant chord — offering a refreshing reminder of the game’s generational appeal.
From Yankees aces to loving dads
Gerrit Cole/Instagram
The camaraderie between the Rodon and Cole households has evolved naturally since the lefty joined New York on a six-year, $162 million contract after the 2022 campaign. Rodón arrived with substantial expectations following his impressive tenure with San Francisco, where he maintained a 2.88 ERA across 178 innings while securing his second straight All-Star selection.
Cole — the Yankees’ $324 million cornerstone — has anchored the pitching staff since 2020. He finally claimed his long-pursued Cy Young Award in 2023, silencing doubters with a masterful season that ranks among the finest in recent baseball history.
The 2025 season, however, has unfolded dramatically differently for both pitching standouts. Cole’s spring preparation came to an abrupt halt when elbow discomfort revealed a UCL tear. The diagnosis necessitated Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire season.
Rodón, elevated to Opening Day starter status by manager Aaron Boone, has shouldered the responsibility of leading a rotation destabilized by Cole’s absence. His performance has alternated between brilliance and inconsistency — a pattern not unfamiliar throughout his professional journey.
Rodon’s winding road
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Selected third overall by Chicago in 2014, Rodon entered professional baseball with ace expectations. Yet across his initial six major league seasons, he battled injuries and uneven results, compiling a 4.14 ERA through 97 appearances.
The White Sox made the unexpected decision to non-tender Rodón following the 2020 season, only to reunite on a one-year agreement — a move that proved remarkably prescient. Rodón responded with a stellar 2.37 ERA in 2021, highlighted by a no-hitter and All-Star recognition.
That resurgence catalyzed his breakout with San Francisco in 2022, ultimately leading to his landmark deal with New York. However, a turbulent, injury-affected 2023 campaign placed Rodón under intense New York media scrutiny. Now in his second Bronx season, he strives for stability while fulfilling the ace role in Cole’s absence.
For Cole, 2025 has transformed into a season of recovery and perspective. After leading American League pitchers in ERA and WHIP during 2023, he entered this season poised to cement his Yankee legacy. Instead, circumstances redirected him toward a mentorship capacity — guiding younger pitchers while focusing on comprehensive rehabilitation.
Nevertheless, Cole’s influence permeates the clubhouse. His relationship with Rodón continues strengthening as both veterans support each other through contrasting challenges.
Baseball bonds beyond the Bronx
The T-ball moment illuminates how connections between the Rodón and Cole families transcend professional obligations. Their sons, aspiring ballplayers barely tall enough to grip a bat properly, already share enthusiasm for the game that has defined their fathers’ careers.
While the Yankees navigate the demanding May schedule — maintaining a position near the AL East summit — fans receive a gentle reminder that baseball intertwines legacy and family alongside statistics and standings.
Whether witnessing Rodón strike out seven through six innings or Judge launching another majestic homer, the human element remains central. For these Yankees hurlers, their legacies might eventually encompass more than awards and achievements — perhaps including the next generation of pinstriped talent.
A glimpse into the future?
Will the Rodon and Cole children someday share Yankee Stadium’s hallowed field as professionals? It’s speculation balanced between whimsy and genuine possibility. For now, they’re simply youngsters sharing snacks, laughter, and foundational baseball memories.
These moments underscore why baseball transcends mere competition. It’s transmitted across generations. It’s experienced throughout life stages. It’s inherited like a family tradition.
And perhaps, in a future not yet written, the Bronx faithful will welcome back the Rodón and Cole surnames in a different era — with their sons crafting headlines uniquely their own.
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